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In an exclusive feature, actress Olivia Munn shared the intimate details of her ongoing journey with breast cancer, revealing that she recently underwent a fifth surgery. The 43-year-old star, known for her roles in "The Newsroom" and "X-Men: Apocalypse," disclosed that she opted for an oophorectomy and hysterectomy, removing her uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
Munn's decision came in the wake of a devastating diagnosis earlier, where she was found to have Luminal B, a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer, in both of her breasts. Following this diagnosis, Munn embarked on a rigorous treatment regimen, which included four surgeries over ten months and the use of the estrogen-suppressing drug Lupron.
However, the medication brought with it debilitating side effects, leaving Munn grappling with exhaustion that significantly impacted her daily life with her partner, comedian John Mulaney, and their young son, Malcolm.
Reflecting on the toll the treatment took on her family life, Munn expressed a poignant mix of sweetness and heartbreak. Despite the
reassurances from friends that her son wouldn't remember these difficult times, Munn found herself acutely aware of the moments she was missing in her son's formative years. "It's his childhood, but it's my motherhood," she poignantly remarked, emphasizing her desire to be fully present for her family.
In a pivotal moment, Munn made the decision to seek an alternative to Lupron, ultimately leading to her most recent surgery. This choice, she explained, was driven by her unwavering commitment to her family and her own well-being. Prior to the procedure, Munn took proactive steps to freeze her eggs for the third time, a decision motivated by her desire to expand her family despite the uncertainties posed by her diagnosis and treatment.
Sharing her journey with vulnerability and candor, Munn revealed the emotional rollercoaster of hope and fear that accompanied the egg retrieval process. Despite previous setbacks, she and Mulaney were overjoyed to discover that they had successfully obtained two healthy embryos, offering a glimmer of hope amid the uncertainty.
